Raptors Cage

Post Game Report Card: Derozan leads the Raptors over the 76ers

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on google
Share on email

demar_derozan_playoffs

The Toronto Raptors, spurred by the efforts of their returning All Star were able to take care of business on home court against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers 100-84. Feelings of relief and jubilation reverberated through Toronto around the 6 o’clock hour when it was announced tonight would be the night that the star wingman would reclaim his spot in the starting five.  In the first quarter, the team looked like the 13-2, dominant squad that Derozan left behind a month and a half ago, ending the frame with a 34-19 score.

The second quarter, however would be a showcase of some of the lingering issues that have been plaguing the team in the past 6 games. The Raptors’ defensive effort was poor as they allowed the worst offensive team in the NBA to outscore them 27-16.

The 76ers, however would come back down to earth, finishing the game shooting a shade under 39% and an abysmal 16% from beyond the arc. The Raptors would ultimately capitalize on the brick fest, with some timely 3-point shooting to put the 76ers down for good. The effort, however was not a thorough one, and is certainly a cause for concern with the red hot Atlanta Hawks on the horizon. The team is clearly still readjusting to Derozan’s presence but will certainly need all hands on deck come Friday night. Let’s have a look at the final report card.

Offense: B+

The Raptors took on a team with tremendous defensive upside in the 76ers. The length of players such as Michael Carter-Williams, K.J McDaniels, and Nerlens Noel gave the team fits, blocking shots and forcing a great deal of turnovers. Aside from those darn turnovers, which have become a serious concern for the team in the Raptors recent stretch, the offence, for the most part took care of business. The team was clearly given a great boost by Derozan, who exceeded expectations with an exceptionally efficient performance. Another welcome sight was the performance of Lou Williams. Williams, who has been struggling lately with his 3 point shot knocked down four from beyond the arc in eight attempts. The ball was humming tonight as the team racked up 26 assists.

Defence: A-

Realistically, it shouldn’t be too difficult to shut down the 76ers, and according to the numbers that’s exactly what the Raptors did. Holding the 76ers to awful shooting percentages across the board and only 84 total points on the night. However, there is often more to a game than just the boxscore. The Raptors allowing a 27 point quarter to such an offensively inept team is a reasonable cause for concern. Certainly something to keep an eye on.

Rebounding: A

The Raptors also took care of business on the boards, pulling down 49 total for the game. They did allow 45 rebounds, however that is the nature of this 76ers squad. Without much flash, their calling card is their scrappiness as they had five players pull down 5 or more rebounds.

 

Game Ball: DeMar Derozan

hi-res-6760980_crop_north

Be honest, did you expect anyone else? Derozan, showing little to no rust put up 20 points on 9-14 shooting in just over 28 minutes of work. His presence was certainly felt with the 76ers defence paying close attention to him, thus freeing up great looks for his teammates. Let out a deep breathe folks, he’s back.

Authors

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on google
Share on email

1 thought on “Post Game Report Card: Derozan leads the Raptors over the 76ers”

Leave a Comment